Data: Europe leads 3G switch-off
August 12, 2026
GSA (Global mobile Suppliers Association) has published its latest 2G and 3G Switch-Off Report showing the global transition away from 2G and 3G networks is gathering pace as operators seek to modernise infrastructure and reallocate spectrum for faster 4G and 5G technologies.
GSA identifies 313 operators that have completed, planned or are in progress with 2G and 3G switch-offs in 89 countries and territories. Continuing interest and investment in this strategy is allowing the refarming of spectrum to add capacity for LTE and 5G, and reduces the energy used to operate networks that have relatively little traffic.
The report reveals that Europe leads in switch-off activity globally, accounting for 43 per cent of all cases, followed by Asia (26 per cent) and Latin America and the Caribbean (9 per cent). Some 2G and 3G switch-offs are led by operator group targets, while others are mandated by government and regulators to encourage the shift to newer networks that are more energy efficient and to allow spectrum to be reallocated. Operators continue to outline plans to retire their 2G and 3G networks, although some have not met their initial targets, underlining the challenges accompanying this process, particularly for machine-to-machine and internet of things (IoT) connections where some industries have very long device replacement cycles.
“When they were first introduced to the market, 2G and 3G were highly important innovations, but as greater technological advances have emerged, their importance has waned, and usage of both technologies is now diminishing worldwide,” said Joe Barrett, President of Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA). “As a result, many operators, regulators and governments are determining that the older 2G and 3G technologies should be switched off for the faster, more efficient and more secure LTE and 5G networks. GSA data confirms that 2G and 3G switch-offs are occurring in most regions, with government, regulator and operator groups increasingly attempting to set specific switch-off dates which will encourage the switch-off of 2G and 3G in 2026 and beyond.”
Other key points in the report include:
– 139 operators in 70 markets have completed or planned 2G shutdowns, with 56 of these already finalised
– 174 operators in 67 markets are have started 3G switch-offs, of which 102 have completed the transition
– Almost half (58 per cent) of operators retiring older networks are upgrading to both 4G and 5G
– A total of 27 operators have retired both their 2G and 3G networks.
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